How To Choose The Best Wines For Your Wedding: The Ultimate Guide!

There is nothing like having a delicious glass of wine to top off a perfect meal. If you want to make your wedding even more special, then try pairing some of your favorite wines with your dishes. With so many options available, choosing the right wines for your wedding can be daunting. To help you get started, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about choosing the right wines for your wedding:

sparkling wine being poured

Understand The Differences Between Types of Wines

There are many different types of wines that you can choose from for your wedding. Knowing the differences between them will help you choose the best wine for your specific needs. 

Red Wines: Red wines are the most common type of wine. These are usually from the grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir. Red wines are usually the most popular choice for weddings, as they pair well with a variety of dishes. Meanwhile, they’re also suitable for both a summer and winter wedding. 

White Wines: White wines are made from the grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sauterne. They’re often less expensive than red wines, making them a great choice for budget-conscious brides and grooms. White wines are suitable for both summer and winter weddings. 

Sparkling Wines: You can break down the types of sparkling wine into three categories – Champagne, Prosecco, and Cava. These sparkling wines hail from France, Italy, and Spain, respectively. They do a great job capturing the effervescence of the grape. Sparkling wines are especially associated with festive celebrations, making them a great choice for weddings. 

Other Types of Wines: Other types of wines include red blends, white blends, fortified wines, and sake.

charles shaw display wine

Know The Major Brands

When you’re choosing wines for your wedding, you’ll want to make sure you choose ones from reputable brands. If a specific type of wine is popular, then there are likely many options from that brand available. Additionally, some of the more popular wine brands are often available at discounted prices during certain times of the year. 

To help you choose the best wines for your wedding, here’s a list of the most popular wine brands: 

Chateau Ste. Michelle - This California winery is well-known for producing high-quality wines. If you choose a Chateau Ste. Michelle wine for your wedding, you’re sure to have an impressive bottle. 

Charles Shaw - This California-based brand offers a wide variety of wines for a reasonable price. Similarly to Chateau Ste. Michelle, Charles Shaw wines are also well-known for their quality and affordability. 

Kendall-Jackson - This Sonoma County-based winery produces a variety of award-winning wines. Throughout the year, you can find many discounted deals on different Kendall-Jackson wines. 

Ravenswood -Ravenswood is a California-based brand that’s gaining popularity among wine connoisseurs. Like many other popular brands, Ravenswood wines are often available at a discounted price during certain times of the year.

wedding wine selection

Don’t Forget About Regional Wines

Most of the popular wine brands are located in California, France, and Italy, but you should also keep an eye out for some of the lesser-known regions as well, including here in Oregon. For example, many people have never heard of Mendoza wines from Argentina, but they’re actually quite popular. 

Meanwhile, South African wines are also gaining popularity among wine drinkers. To help you find wines from less-known regions, here’s a list of some of the most popular regional wines: 

Bordeaux – Okay, this is a little bit of a cheat. But if you want to impress your guests with a bottle of quality wine, Bordeaux wines are a great choice. These are often the most expensive wines on the market, but they’re also some of the best. 

Chilean Wines - Chile is one of the most underrated wine-producing regions in the world, and you can find many great Chilean wines for a reasonable price. These are often lower in alcohol, yet they offer great value for money.

Lavaux, Switerland - Switzerland is renowned for its indulgent cheeses and chocolate, exclusive wellness spas, and picturesque ski slopes, but Swiss winemakers use just as much effort and skill. The only problem is that Swiss vintners only sell two percent of their wares overseas making these wines a prized commodity.

Willamette Valley - Home to more than 500 wineries, the Willamette Valley is known for its world class Pinot noir. Keep it local with a wine selection from Central Oregon.

pouring red wine for tasting

Know The Vintages

Although it’s always nice to choose a nice bottle of wine for your wedding, you should also consider the vintage of the specific bottle. A wine vintage is the year in which the grapes were harvested. A wine's vintage can greatly affect the taste and quality, primarily because of the weather that affects the vines throughout the growing season. There are many different factors that determine whether the vintage is a good one, including the type of grape used, how the grapes were grown, and even the weather conditions during harvest. 

When planning your wedding or reception, you might be wondering what vintage of wine to choose. There are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure the wine is in good condition - if it's been stored improperly, it will likely taste sour and unpleasant. Second, choose a wine that goes well with your wedding or reception theme. If you're having a traditional wedding, for example, try to choose a wine from the era that you're referencing. And finally, don’t forget to toast with your guests - vintage wines tend to be more complex and enjoyable than modern wines, so it's a great way to show your appreciation. 

With these tips in mind, choosing a good vintage wine shouldn't be a difficult task.

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